Saturday, July 19, 2008

faraway friends

Have you discovered that there are certain blogs you just keep coming back to above others? Have you found yourself drawn to someone's way of thinking, or the way they express themselves, or their sense of humour? Have you felt a sense of connection with another blogger in another town, another country, another continent, but felt unsure as to whether the connection was real?

I have often wondered what it would be like to meet a fellow blogger. Would they be as they seemed on their blog, or would I find them to be completely different to how they represented themselves in writing? Would we chat easily, or would the conversation seem forced and superficial? Would the experience be a thrill or a disaster?

Well, now I know. I had the opportunity to meet with an effervescent blond blogger whilst we were both on holiday, and she was just as I'd imagined.

We met for breakfast, and despite my fears that we would have some embarrassing sort of greeting along the lines of - "Are you...... are you, um?..... Are you a blogger? I mean, are you meeting...um..... another... well.....I'm Jellyhead anyway!", this thankfully did not occur.

I was quite nervous. I confessed this right away. Yet we chatted away for almost two hours, and I had a great time. I think I rambled on too much. I walked away wondering if my blogpal would report back to her husband that 'Jellyhead' was aptly named. I told myself not to worry because I knew my blogger friend was a positive and forgiving type.

From my point of view, the sense of friendship was not imagined. Even though we had never met before, it seemed we knew each other a little already - rather like you might feel seeing an old school friend you hadn't seen for years, but still remembered fondly.

It's incredible that you can meet and make friends that, but for the internet, you would never have known. It blows my mind, and it renews my faith in humankind.

12 comments:

Puss-in-Boots said...

Hi Jelly, I know exactly what you mean. I've met a couple of bloggers two or three times now and we never run out of things to talk about. And as you say, because you've got to "know" each other through blogging, it's as if they are people whom you already know...if that makes sense.

Anyway, I'm glad your meeting with your friend went well. Hope you have a few more such meetings.

Cheers.

Stomper Girl said...

My experience has definitely been that if you like the blog then you will like the blogger!

freefalling said...

I think I must be a wuss (or is it woos?).
I'd be afraid I couldn't live up to the blog me.
Isn't that ridiculous?
I think blog me is infinitely more interesting than the real me, even though it is just me in pictures and words.
So sad (and really lame and pathetic).

Although, look at all those people who meet and fall in love over the net and are now happily married.
There must be something in it!

I'm glad your experience was a positive one.
I must admit I love how I have been able to connect with people who I really "dig" all over the world.

rel said...

Jellyhead,
It really is awesome isn't it?
rel

Nestor Family said...

Your story is heartwarming... I thought, "Another blow for goodness on the internet!"

So glad you enjoyed your encounter! I have never met a fellow blogger in person... interesting to read about this experience!

manababies said...

:)

I have had similar experiences with people I've met through flickr (that online photo sharing community). It is so much fun hooking up with people!

BTW... I have no idea how to contact you otherwise, but I decided to make my blog private. Pls email me your contact info if you can (supermana at gmail dot com).

meggie said...

I have often wondered the same thing. I feel after reading someone for a long time, that you sort of get a feeling of the person. I am glad you met & connected with your blogger friend.

I would love to have you for coffee & a chat!

Reading about all the bloggers who have met, it seems to me, what you read, is what you get.

Michelle said...

You didn't ramble on too much at all!! I had a wonderful time too! Thank you for writing a post about our meeting.

shelly

freefalling said...

Hey!
Must be time for another post!

Kerri said...

Oh, how wonderful - a meet-up between Jelly and Shelly! I can just imagine the two of you together..enthusiasm running rampant :)
It's a neat feeling, isn't it? I'm glad you had the opportunity.

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...

I know exactly what you mean about being nervous about the first meeting of a new friend met only through blogging. Luckily my first experience with meeting someone in real life was put to ease the moment we saw each other and it was just as you described it, like meeting an old friend.

So glad you enjoyed the experience.

xoxo,
Sandy

Mimi said...

OMG, I am so jealous. I often think that my blog friends would be so neat to meet but who has the chance??

Mimi